Gymnastics Invitational 2014/15
FOBISIA Gymnastics Invitational Championships 2014
Over the summer break Bangkok Patana’s gymnasium had a welcome facelift and the gymnasts returned to a brand new foam pit which runs the width of the gym. The pit structure provides a soft dismount area for the uneven bars, high bar, vault and beams, as well as the trampoline track which now sits at floor level. At the end of September, we also received delivery of our much anticipated FIG performance sprung floor which completes our state of the art facility.
Since September, Bangkok Patana has returned to a regular training programme but which now extends to freestyle gymnastics (the gymnastic elements of free-running). We have also seen huge progress in our tumbling, vaults and acrobatic elements which really benefit from the new set up.
Along with settling into the upgraded facility, the Gymnastics team had been busily preparing to host the second FOBISIA Gymnastics Invitational Championships, which took place last weekend, Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th November. And what a competition! With over 460 gymnasts representing five different countries and 12 different schools and clubs, this was the biggest gymnastics meet that Bangkok Patana has ever hosted. Girls’ Levels 1 -6 and Boys’ Levels 0 -6 performed in five different sessions spanning over 23 hours of action packed competition.
For the Bangkok Patana team, notable performances came from Grace Sintavanarong in Level 2, Jessica Bastin, Amelia Golden, Kaitlyn Dibbayawan, Plume PlumeKashemsri Na Ayudhaya in Level 3, Amy Teigen in Level 5 and Password Thepkanjana in Level 6 who all took medals for the Girls. Gabriel Hustrulid in Level 1, Tee Janvatanavit in Level 2, and both the Level 3 and 4 teams all took a number of medals for the Boys.
The level of gymnastics on display across the two days was significant proving a very tough competition. It really demonstrates how the sport is progressing in the region where we are seeing an increasingly large number of gymnasts competing at the higher levels. The skills on display get more and more complex each time and the standard of execution is just phenomenal.
A huge congratulations to all that took part and we look forward to seeing what next year holds.
By Nicola McRae, Head Gymnastics Coach, Bangkok Patana School, Thailand